Decision Review System to stay for Hamilton Test

The Decision Review System (DRS), which played on the big screen to spectators at the Basin Reserve last week, is to stay for the Hamilton test, starting tomorrow.

The DRS system, which includes umpire review (third umpire) and player review playbacks, was assessed after the Wellington test by the ICC match referee and umpires and deemed a success.

ICC Match referee, Javagal Srinath, said that cricket fans paying to watch cricket at venues have every right to the technology available to those watching at home.

“People who pay to watch live at the venues are often the biggest cricket fans,” said Srinath. “We think that it is only fair that they see what everyone else is seeing. We have the technology available to show spectators live replays as the DRS takes place, so why not use it.

“It is also important for the spectators to understand the workings of the technology by seeing the replays on the big screen, this way they can appreciate the interpretations of the DRS.”

Srinath says it is the first time in the world that the DRS has been used; “The initiative stems from New Zealand Cricket, and the broadcaster, SKY TV, and is backed by the ICC as a way to enhance the presentation of the game for spectators. It is still in a trial period, but I think that it will quickly become a normal component of the at-ground game presentation at test matches.”